Are ramps necessary for DIY hybrid oil change?

[rowka]

Title says it all?

Sponsored

 

[KDay]

Don't think I could have changed the oil/filter without ramps.

- there are a boat load of torx screws holding the bottom baffle thing on. The screws toward the rear would be particularly challenging to remove without [safely] lifting the vehicle a bit, imo.
- the factory oil filter seems to have been installed by Thor... so I appreciated the extra space to wrestle it off
- free tip: I covered the lower coolant hoses with a plastic bag (pictured) to shield against drips coming out of the filter housing when spinning the old filter off.

 

[huunvubu]

I would

Don't think I could have changed the oil/filter without ramps.

- there are a boat load of torx screws holding the bottom baffle thing on. The screws toward the rear would be particularly challenging to remove without [safely] lifting the vehicle a bit, imo.
- the factory oil filter seems to have been installed by Thor... so I appreciated the extra space to wrestle it off
- free tip: I covered the lower coolant hoses with a plastic bag (pictured) to shield against drips coming out of the filter housing when spinning the old filter off.

I like the ramps you are using.

Do you have a link for where to buy them?

Thanks

 

[colinl]

The vehicle is very low to the ground, so yes, you will need ramps or a jack, and ideally jackstands and wheel chocks.

I long ago decided that's not worth my time because you also have to recycle the oil and I am not very interested in gathering, storing and transporting it to Walmart, Autozone etc. If you don't have any of these tools and you want them for long term use / value, great.

But if you're doing your own oil changes just to save money, that payoff is numerous oil changes down the road.

 

[KDay]

I would


I like the ramps you are using.

Do you have a link for where to buy them?

Thanks

They're Rhino Ramps (16,000 lbs version). I got them on sale at my local Canadian Tire, but they seem to be available on Amazon and at Walmart.

 

[huunvubu]

They're Rhino Ramps (16,000 lbs version). I got them on sale at my local Canadian Tire, but they seem to be available on Amazon and at Walmart.

Thanks

I bought the Rhino Gear RhinoRamp 11909 for $52.79 at Advance Auto Parts using the 20% off BFCM code good through today 11/27/2023.

These are rated 12,000 pound GVW.
The GAWR for the front axle of my Maverick is 2680 lbs or 1340 per tire

 

[Shay]

Ramps are more or less necessary yes, unless you want to jack and use blocks of wood. Ramps are pretty easy to come by, even Walmart has them pretty cheap.

 

[Oscarcat]

Title says it all?

RE: Ramps necessary? - Yes. I call mine "Redneck ramps". I am able to stack a couple of 2x6's under each front wheel and drive up on them. The bottom 2x can be short - 8-10" but the top 2x which I position under each tire is 18". I drive up and the top 2x becomes horizontal. I gain 3" and that is enough to comfortably scoot under. Also, the slight angle makes the oil drain faster. I use white chalk to mark the holes in the cover panel where the Torx fasteners go so I don't need to fumble. I leave them loose until I have all in place, then go back and snug them. This allows me to move and align the panel holes with the holes in the frame.

 

[Ozarkbeard]

Michelin CrossClimate 2s?
Good tire choice.
How do you like them?

 

[Ozarkbeard]

...I long ago decided that's not worth my time because you also have to recycle the oil...

Agree. I buy my own oil/filter and take it to a local shop near me. It's well worth the 1½ Jacksons labor price, just so I don't have to f with the billion Torx screws for the shield. Or carrying the used oil to the city recycle center.

 

[FamousAmos]

The vehicle is very low to the ground, so yes, you will need ramps or a jack, and ideally jackstands and wheel chocks.

I long ago decided that's not worth my time because you also have to recycle the oil and I am not very interested in gathering, storing and transporting it to Walmart, Autozone etc. If you don't have any of these tools and you want them for long term use / value, great.

But if you're doing your own oil changes just to save money, that payoff is numerous oil changes down the road.

I'm with Colin. I realized 4 years ago that it was not worth my time and energy changing my own oil. That said, the decision was made for me when I left my 2-car-garage-and- equipment condo for this apartment and no garage. And now, PARTICULARLY seeing what is involved in changing the oil on my 2.5 Maverick, I won't miss it. (Torx screws? God help us! No wonder Ford wants an arm and a leg to change the oil.) FWIW.

 

[KDay]

Michelin CrossClimate 2s?
Good tire choice.
How do you like them?

Good eye! Yes, cross-climate 2's. Love them so far, but haven't had to battle any snow YET.

 

[Maverick2023]

I’ve been doing my oil change with the truck standing without ramps or jack stands . It’s a bit tricky but doable.

 

[Kagiso]

Thanks

I bought the Rhino Gear RhinoRamp 11909 for $52.79 at Advance Auto Parts using the 20% off BFCM code good through today 11/27/2023.

These are rated 12,000 pound GVW.
The GAWR for the front axle of my Maverick is 2680 lbs or 1340 per tire

Thanks. What is the code?

Thanks!

 

[AutobahnSHO]

I prefer jackstands over ramps. Easier to store, less hassle driving off the ramps.

Doing it yourself takes away worry someone lost fasteners or torqued the plug down stupid tight.

Sponsored